Word Meaning
ज़ब्त
zabt
Meaning
Restraint, self-control, suppression, endurance, or confiscation.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'zabt' refers to exercising self-restraint, particularly the suppression of tears, sighs, or emotional outbursts. In this couplet, 'zabt-e-girya' denotes holding back weeping, an act of endurance that paradoxically consumes the lover's inner being like fire. It highlights the agonizing conflict between an overwhelming grief and the dignified imperative to conceal it.
Etymology
Arabic root ḍ-b-ṭ (ض-ب-ط), signifying to grasp firmly, control, regulate, or keep in check.
Usage
Frequently paired with tears (girya) or sighs (aah) in ghazals to underscore the noble yet agonizing virtue of silent endurance.
Examples
To cross the limits of self-restraint
It became impossible to hold back tears